Onondaga LakeNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Onondaga LakeMon, 21 Nov 2016 00:45:39 +0000Onondaga Lakehttp://waer.org
About three dozen self-described Water Protectors came to Syracuse’s Clinton Square Tuesday as part of a national day of action calling on the federal government to reject The Dakota Access Pipeline. The group stood outside of the Bank of America to protest the loan issued to build the pipeline. Many people came to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux, the native population that has been negatively affected by the pipeline’s construction. Water Protector Margaret Birdlebough of Syracuse was among the crowd. “I think it’s important that all people everywhere show support and solidarity for this because it's our water, it’s your water, it’s everyone’s water, and it's everyone’s earth,” Birdlebough said. “And if we can stop this one pipeline, then we have the ability to stop all of the pipelines.” Don Vanouse of Oswego came to show his support for a group of people who he says have lost so much so many times. He says Central New Yorkers should care about the pipeline due toSyracuse Protesters join the "National Day of Action" in Clinton Square in Support of Standing Rockhttp://waer.org/post/syracuse-protesters-join-national-day-action-clinton-square-support-standing-rock
57348 as http://waer.orgTue, 15 Nov 2016 22:28:29 +0000Syracuse Protesters join the "National Day of Action" in Clinton Square in Support of Standing RockMorgan Bulman With signs in hand, Syracuse locals standing in solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux started their rally by chanting “Water is Life!” to the beat of drums. They were bringing attention to the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline, which they say could threaten their drinking water supply. The cold, windy weather Saturday afternoon could not keep people away from flooding the streets of Clinton, Armory and Hanover Squares. The rally and march called attention to a fight happening nearly two-thousand miles away in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Hugh Burnam, a PhD Student at Syracuse University, believes the weekend event can help educate the community. “The Dakota access pipeline is going through is, currently being constructed. And in the midst of that construction our relatives of Standing Rock Sioux are fighting that pipeline and we see what’s happening, Burnam said.” The violence from the police officers violence from the military on to our people who are just trying to defend theOnondaga Community Stands in Solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux Against the Dakota Access Pipelinehttp://waer.org/post/onondaga-community-stands-solidarity-standing-rock-sioux-against-dakota-access-pipeline
56735 as http://waer.orgMon, 31 Oct 2016 15:35:12 +0000Onondaga Community Stands in Solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux Against the Dakota Access PipelineCrews are expected to being working Saturday to repair a leak in a pipeline that released some raw sewage into the southern part of Onondaga Lake last Friday. High flows from last week’s heavy rain put enough pressure on the 50-year-old pipe to cause the leak. It’s called a force main, and it carries storm and sewage water from the Ley Creek Pump Station, along the Onondaga Lake shoreline near the railroad tracks, to the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant. But Onondaga County commissioner of water environment protection Tom Rhoads says the age of the pipe, combined with the unusually high volume of water, caused the break in the crown, or top of the pipeline. “We estimate that the leaks may have occurred for approximately thirty six hours which would have resulted in a conservative estimate of 10.8 million gallons of unsanitary waste water going to the lake," Rhoads said. Rhoads says they estimate the combination was roughly one part waste, four parts storm water. But 80 percentOnondaga County to Begin Repairs on Broken Sewage Pipeline Near Onondaga Lakehttp://waer.org/post/onondaga-county-begin-repairs-broken-sewage-pipeline-near-onondaga-lake
56654 as http://waer.orgFri, 28 Oct 2016 21:09:14 +0000Onondaga County to Begin Repairs on Broken Sewage Pipeline Near Onondaga LakeJohn SmithAs Onondaga Lake visitors get to enjoy expanded amenities such as the West Lake Trail, County officials have previously indicated a beach could possibly be added someday. A new survey released today asks Central New York Residents what they envision for the lake including recreational activities. FOCUS Greater Syracuse is offering the online survey on their website. Spokesperson Dee Klees says this is different from the other lake surveys they’ve conducted in the past.FOCUS Greater Syracuse Survey asks Central New Yorkers what they Envision for the lake. http://waer.org/post/focus-greater-syracuse-survey-asks-central-new-yorkers-what-they-envision-lake
56369 as http://waer.orgFri, 21 Oct 2016 18:33:52 +0000FOCUS Greater Syracuse Survey asks Central New Yorkers what they Envision for the lake. Local residents who like the idea of a trail around Onondaga Lake might like to know about a federal program that could help complete it. After years of a construction stalemate, Onondaga County has applied for a federal transportation grant that would pay most of the cost of finishing the 13-mile loop. Senator Chuck Schumer was in Syracuse on Monday touting the benefits of completing the trail. “The completed trail network would provide uninterrupted access to the lake’s unique, natural, recreational, and economic amenities. Connecting the Onondaga Creek walk-trail system which spans the urban core of the city of Syracuse to the northern and western suburbs would also be accomplished in our “Loop to Lake” project. Linking the amphitheater with Destiny USA, the inner harbor to willow bay, all would happen under this project.” Schumer says he will push for the 10 million dollar grant, which is part of the transportation bill. He believes the loop would be a testament to the lakeCould Completed Trail be Loop Back to the Past for Onondaga Lake?http://waer.org/post/could-completed-trail-be-loop-back-past-onondaga-lake
52637 as http://waer.orgMon, 18 Jul 2016 22:00:15 +0000Could Completed Trail be Loop Back to the Past for Onondaga Lake? You may not be able to see it on a sunny day, but when it rains you may find yourself looking at a new take on sidewalk art. The lack of rain means Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection Commissioner Tom Rhoads had to innovate. "Right now we're in dry weather, but what we're going to do is activate the art. Let's see what happens," Rhoads said as water was poured on the sidewalk. "So, it says, 'Keep litter out of the forecast. Connect the drops. Save the rain.'” Rhoads was demonstrating how their new campaign works to reduce litter in our community. “What it does is it repels the water so it's completely invisible in dry weather," Rhoads said. "But when it rains, you'll be able to see these images.” Those images are reminders to the community about putting litter in the trash can so it doesn’t end up in bodies of water. “Even though you see it on a roadside, or you might see it in a park or schoolyard, what's happening is when it rains, that's actually going to getRainy-Day Sidewalk Messages Remind Pedestrians About Litter's Impact on Waterwayshttp://waer.org/post/rainy-day-sidewalk-messages-remind-pedestrians-about-litters-impact-waterways
52106 as http://waer.orgWed, 06 Jul 2016 16:47:34 +0000Rainy-Day Sidewalk Messages Remind Pedestrians About Litter's Impact on WaterwaysScott WillisOnondaga County lawmakers Tuesday agreed to transfer a parcel of land along Onondaga Lake to the Onondaga Nation while the county continues its effort to ensure public access to the rest of the lakeshore. Many were concerned an early version of the resolution proposed three weeks ago went back on a 2011 promise to give Murphy’s Island near Destiny USA to the Onondaga’s. But Chairman Ryan McMahon says that measure was just a non-binding gesture that never saw any additional action. "What we're doing today is much, much stronger," McMahon said. This isn't a 'we'll say something and we'll do it later'. We're passing a resolution, not a memorializing resolution, and the resolution talks about the committee and the commitment to finding land that the Nation views to be important, to give the Nation real access and a real stake in the process." Legislature Environmental Protection Committee Chair Michael Plochocki: "I've talked with leaders of the Onondagas and others, and there are certainOnondaga Nation Will Get Parcel on Onondaga Lake as County Pursues Public Accessibilityhttp://waer.org/post/onondaga-nation-will-get-parcel-onondaga-lake-county-pursues-public-accessibility
49570 as http://waer.orgWed, 04 May 2016 03:33:03 +0000Onondaga Nation Will Get Parcel on Onondaga Lake as County Pursues Public AccessibilityMigrating birds have found the perfect place to make a landing spot anywhere around Onondaga Lake, and local photographers have the photos to prove it. The Executive Director of Audubon New York credits the revitalization efforts of the lake as the reason it tends to be a popular landing pad. There are at least 50 acres of wetlands. Erin Crotty says Onondaga Lake is critically important to several species. “Birds that are migrating through the community and using Onondaga Lake as a source of food and shelter.” Crotty adds the lake is situated along what is known as the Atlantic Flyway which is part of the path they take. There are many reasons they visit here. Sometimes they intend to breed, they could be on the other side of their life cycle, or perhaps they’re heading north or south. She says the photography exhibit reflects birds along the Lake in vivid way. "You’re looking at it through really the eyes of another person. You’re able to see the level of detail in an Eastern BluebirdLocal Photography Exhibit Displays Migrating Birds at Onondaga Lakehttp://waer.org/post/local-photography-exhibit-displays-migrating-birds-onondaga-lake
48130 as http://waer.orgThu, 31 Mar 2016 23:30:44 +0000Local Photography Exhibit Displays Migrating Birds at Onondaga LakeChris BoltThe Onondaga Nation is calling for a change in strategy on cleaning up Onondaga Lake. Nation leaders were at the lakeside today, criticizing one part of the remediation that failed. Nation attorney Alma Lowry says the public hears about progress, but not problems. Onondaga Nation Wants Better Cleanup of Onondaga Lakehttp://waer.org/post/onondaga-nation-wants-better-cleanup-onondaga-lake
45499 as http://waer.orgFri, 29 Jan 2016 21:43:41 +0000Onondaga Nation Wants Better Cleanup of Onondaga LakeMark BialczakFor almost a quarter century of my life here in Central New York, Lights on the Lake was something that danced in the outer portion of my holiday brain without really taking a whirl on center stage.Let There Be Lights on the Lake for Year 26http://waer.org/post/let-there-be-lights-lake-year-26
42284 as http://waer.orgWed, 11 Nov 2015 13:33:11 +0000Let There Be Lights on the Lake for Year 26Scott WillisA furious pace of construction by hundreds of workers over the past several months has resulted in the on-time completion of a $49.3 million amphitheater on the western shore of Onondaga Lake. County Executive Joanie Mahoney says she was fully aware of the risks of the aggressive construction timeline when work began last November, but really took off in mid-February. Now, the county is the official owner of a completed Lakeview Amphitheater. "People cautioned us, you don't want to over-hype or over-promise. I don't think you can. When you come out here, especially if you've lived here your whole life, and you see this, I think you're going to be blown away by what this addition is to our county parks system." Mahoney says all involved in the project have fulfilled the promise that the venue would be completed by the start of the New York State Fair. Well, the fair opens Thursday and the first concert is a week later. Mahoney says the facility is second to none. "We've had LiveNationLakeview Amphitheater Complete; Ready for Inaugural Concert Next Weekhttp://waer.org/post/lakeview-amphitheater-complete-ready-inaugural-concert-next-week
38907 as http://waer.orgWed, 26 Aug 2015 03:54:09 +0000Lakeview Amphitheater Complete; Ready for Inaugural Concert Next WeekChris Bolt A group of students from New York City is spending the week enjoying Central New York’s slower pace and environment. The students are part of a program that might just launch them into science careers. NYC Students Get Up Close with Fish, Bugs, Nature in CNY Science Programhttp://waer.org/post/nyc-students-get-close-fish-bugs-nature-cny-science-program
38467 as http://waer.orgFri, 14 Aug 2015 18:45:18 +0000NYC Students Get Up Close with Fish, Bugs, Nature in CNY Science Program Local dignitaries and residents took the plunge on Wednesday into the warm waters of Onondaga Lake. What was once considered one of the most polluted lakes in the nation, now meets the official standards for being swimmable. High Profile Swim in Onondaga Lake Shows Promise of Lake's Futurehttp://waer.org/post/high-profile-swim-onondaga-lake-shows-promise-lakes-future
37498 as http://waer.orgThu, 23 Jul 2015 14:21:34 +0000High Profile Swim in Onondaga Lake Shows Promise of Lake's FutureScott Willis Eighty Syracuse-area middle school students have spent the past week gathering water and soil samples, catching insects, observing fish, and studying mud boils in Tully to learn more about the Onondaga Lake watershed. It’s the tenth year of Honeywell's Summer Science Week, which is organized by the Museum of Science and Technology. Solvay 8th grader Sidney Chafee wants to go into marine biology or a related field. She enjoyed learning about the restoration of the lake’s wetlands after decades of pollution. Syracuse-area 8th Graders Wrap up Weeklong Outdoor, Hands-on Science Experiencehttp://waer.org/post/syracuse-area-8th-graders-wrap-weeklong-outdoor-hands-science-experience
36968 as http://waer.orgFri, 10 Jul 2015 22:14:07 +0000Syracuse-area 8th Graders Wrap up Weeklong Outdoor, Hands-on Science ExperienceWhat used to be an almost dead lake is now teeming with fish and bird activity, as well as other plant and animal life. Audubon New York and the Onondaga Lake Conversation Corps will be showcasing the restoration of Onondage Lake this weekend. "Images of a Recovering Onondaga Lake" features pictures of birds and other species taken by local photographers. Executive Director of Audubon New York Erin Crotty says it's no surprise wildlife has come back to the lake. "Birds and other wildlife are really smart, and they are very particular about the kind of habitat that they like. For the birds, like eagles who are looking for fish source, to the waterfowl which are also looking for a source of food, Onondaga Lake is a prime habitat." Crotty says the lake has become a very healthy ecosystem for the environment. She's been involved in the lake cleanup for the past couple of decades, and she has always believed that the lake will come back. "It's a tremendous comeback story. It's a symbol ofExhibition to Showcase Wildlife's Return to Onondaga Lakehttp://waer.org/post/exhibition-showcase-wildlifes-return-onondaga-lake
33525 as http://waer.orgThu, 23 Apr 2015 21:13:41 +0000Exhibition to Showcase Wildlife's Return to Onondaga LakeScott WillisMuch of the focus of the Onondaga Lake clean-up project has been on the lake itself with dredging completed last fall and capping operations set to begin this spring. But there’s also been an effort to clean and restore 44 acres of contaminated wetlands in the lake’s watershed. This report takes a closer look at what’s being done…and the wetlands' role in the return of the lake’s ecology. It’s a chilly, early spring day, and we’ve pulled up to where Geddes Brook joins Nine Mile Creek, just across the 695 freeway from the state fairgrounds. SUNY ESF Professor and Chair of Environmental and Forest Biology Don Leopold says the now meandering brook didn’t always look like this. Before, it resembled more of a ditch surrounded by a single invasive plant.In Depth: Restoration of Onondaga Lake's Wetlands Playing Key Role in Recovery http://waer.org/post/depth-restoration-onondaga-lakes-wetlands-playing-key-role-recovery
33076 as http://waer.orgTue, 14 Apr 2015 22:32:13 +0000In Depth: Restoration of Onondaga Lake's Wetlands Playing Key Role in Recovery The shores of Onondaga Lake Park will be making serious waves this summer. The US Northeast Mid-Atlantic Masters Regional Championship (NEMA) will be held here in Syracuse. The county will be funding a new 7 lane 2,000 meters course. The course will be located on the eastern shore of Onondaga Lake. Syracuse Chargers President Joe Bufano says it’s the first regatta here since 1993. “This will bring approximately 500 – 750 athletes to the community to compete. It’s a day long regatta. They will come here on Saturday and practice and get familiar with the course. We haven’t hosted a race like this in over 15 years.” The masters rowing event hosted in city of Grand Rapids last year reeled in about an estimate 2.2 million dollars in 4 days. Visit Syracuse President David Holder says Syracuse can expect significant revenue from the event. “This is about a group of individuals that is dedicated to their passion, their activity, and their ability to amplify that activity now into a nationalMajor Rowing Events Return to Onondaga Lake Park This Summer http://waer.org/post/major-rowing-events-return-onondaga-lake-park-summer
31389 as http://waer.orgFri, 06 Mar 2015 22:46:48 +0000Major Rowing Events Return to Onondaga Lake Park This Summer Chris Bolt Onondaga County's top Politician gave a pretty positive review as regards budget matters, progress and taxpayers. The State of the County address also gave Joanie Mahoney a chance to review her impacts and legacy as she enters an election year. Mahoney gave a number of reasons why over her tenure in office property tax levies have been reduced by some 22 %. She credits belt tightening, increased sales tax revenues due to some wise investments and activities, as well as reduced mandates such as Medicare. "We recognize that we are all in this together and have a shared balance sheet. It doesn’t do our taxpayers any good if we can reduce county taxes only to have taxes for other municipalities increased. So we’re looking to consolidate outside of county government.” She says further consolidating can continue to save money. She cites working together with the city and 47 different municipalities on shared services to save money. Mahoney updated some major concerns of the area...TheWhat's 'State of County?' Finances Stable, Upgrading Area, Improvement Coming to State Fair, etchttp://waer.org/post/whats-state-county-finances-stable-upgrading-area-improvement-coming-state-fair-etc
31238 as http://waer.orgWed, 04 Mar 2015 17:01:49 +0000What's 'State of County?' Finances Stable, Upgrading Area, Improvement Coming to State Fair, etc Onondaga Lake is on the road to revitalization with its clean-up in progress, the extension of the loop the lake trail and plans to build an Amphitheater. But the importance of the lake's history and culture has been added to its continued rejuvenation with a County Legislature committee approval of $100,000 from create the Skä•noñh - Great Law of Peace Center. If approved by all lawmakers, the funding will come from the County's room occupancy taxes. The center is planned to be located on the former grounds of the living history museum Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois which closed about 3 years ago. Onondaga Historical Association Executive Director Gregg Tripoli says the new center is a result of different parties coming together.Bringing Pride to Onondaga Lake - Plans for Historical Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center in Motionhttp://waer.org/post/bringing-pride-onondaga-lake-plans-historical-sk-no-h-great-law-peace-center-motion
30309 as http://waer.orgWed, 11 Feb 2015 23:32:58 +0000Bringing Pride to Onondaga Lake - Plans for Historical Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center in Motion Progress continues on Onondaga County’s Amphitheater project…despite winter weather and environmental concerns. WAER’s Chris Bolt reports local contractors can also find out how to get involved tonight. Progress on Onondaga Amphitheater Despite Obstacleshttp://waer.org/post/progress-onondaga-amphitheater-despite-obstacles
27850 as http://waer.orgThu, 18 Dec 2014 21:58:42 +0000Progress on Onondaga Amphitheater Despite Obstacles